Text: John 15:1-8

In today’s reading Jesus proclaims “I am the real vine”.
The largest grape vine in the world, is known as the Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace in England. It was transplanted under the direction of Lancelot Capability Brown to its current site in 1768. It is now four metres (13') around the base and the longest rod is 36.5 metres (120'). It is incredibly fruitful, producing its largest crop ever in autumn of 2001, of 383 kilograms (844 lb). And that is certainly the outcome Jesus had in mind for this allegory of the grape vine when he spoke here to the disciples - but it is not the context!
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The recording of the sermon can be watched here:
https://youtu.be/VxZXbSu0jxo

Readings:
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18

Today we have as our guest preacher Rev Phil King, Global Mission Director of PCANZ, and he takes as his text the reading from John’s Gospel.
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This week's video is not a recording of his sermon, but rather an introduction to the theme from Hamish, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/WEakZ10lGCQ

To find out more about Global Mission and the PCANZ's key partnerships, go to www.presbyterian.org.nz/national-ministries/global-mission-office/

Readings:
Luke 24:36-53
Acts 3:12-19

The reading from Luke tells of another of the post-resurrection encounters that the Disciples had with Jesus. In this He shows his humanity by eating fish: “he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of cooked fish, which he took and ate in their presence.”
How can reading about these early encounters of the disciples with Jesus help us to respond ourselves to Him?
 
Watch the recorded sermon for today here: https://youtu.be/gQZPXN6kq2w

Lord God, we pray that the whole Church
may proclaim with joy your message of hope for the world.
Help us always to grow in faith, obedience, and love for you,
so that our lives may testify to the truth of the Resurrection.

Readings:
John 20:19-31
1 Peter 1:3-9

We gather as people on a journey.
We believe and we have doubts,
We are imperfect humans,
yet still beloved by God.
Love and grace. Hope and faith.
These are at the core of the one we call God. 
We yearn for a deeper understanding,
and new perspectives,
Though we have our faith
and we have our doubt, we are here.
Speak to us, God!
Continue creating us!
Inspire our hearts.
Enlighten our minds.
Guide our actions.
 
The reading from John today introduces us to “Doubting Thomas” – but is this emphasis on his doubt and the implication that it is at odds with faith to deal with Thomas unkindly? Can doubt be a pathway to a strong, tested faith?
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Hamish explores these and other questions in today’s sermon, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/6EdBtvT966A